Description
- Common names:
- Caladium Red Flash, Angel Wings, Elephant Ear, Heart of Jesus, Caladio, Corazón de Jesús, Alas de Ángel
- Botanical name:
- Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash', Caladium × hortulanum 'Red Flash'
- Description:
- A striking tropical foliage plant featuring large, heart-shaped leaves in deep green dramatically splashed with vibrant red and pink veins, perfect for shaded indoor or outdoor displays.
Features
- Rarity:
- Common Household Favorite
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Variegated Leaves, Architectural, Rosette
- Origin:
- South America
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Bedroom, Bathroom, Shaded Patio, Hanging Basket, Tropical Style, Bohemian, Modern, Containers, Indoor Displays
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
Caladiums require attention to watering, humidity, and dormancy periods, making them best suited for gardeners with some experience. They are sensitive to cold and overwatering, so a consistent care routine is essential for healthy growth.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Thrives in bright, indirect light near an east or north-facing window; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the colorful leaves. Too little light will cause colors to fade and leaves to become less vibrant.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot, while underwatering causes leaf edges to brown and curl.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Prefers humidity above 60% to maintain vibrant foliage and prevent leaf browning. Increase humidity by placing on a pebble tray, grouping with other plants, or using a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures of 21-29°C / 70-85°F and will not tolerate temperatures below 15°C / 60°F. Protect from cold drafts and air conditioning vents, as cold exposure can cause leaves to droop and tubers to go dormant.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 9-11+
Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 where it can remain outdoors year-round. In cooler zones, grow as a container plant and bring indoors before frost, or dig up tubers in fall and store them dormant until spring.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in fall when the plant enters dormancy and foliage begins to die back.
Repotting:
Repot Annually+
Repot tubers annually in spring when new growth begins, using fresh well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the previous one, ensuring adequate drainage holes to prevent tuber rot.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the large, delicate leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and enhance the vibrant colors. Regular cleaning also helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently and prevents pest infestations.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by dividing tubers in spring when repotting, ensuring each division has at least one growing eye or bud. Plant divisions in moist potting mix and keep warm and humid until new growth emerges.